2011 Frankfurt: Brabus Shows off Hybrid, EV Concepts

Brabus hybrid? Brabus electric? Has the uber-Mercedes tuner known for churning out ridiculously fast cars gone soft? Not exactly. These two latest creations from Brabus are indeed more earth-friendly, emitting little to no C02, but they still put impressive power to the ground: The Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI-based Brabus hybrid has a peak output of 1,180 lb-ft of torque from its two electric motors alone, while the all-electric Brabus based on the E-Class has a whopping peak torque of 2,360 lb-ft from its four-wheel drive electric motor system. Let’s take a closer look at these green Brabus monsters:

Brabus Technology Project HybridFor this project, Brabus starts with a Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI BlueEfficiency diesel and turns it into a plug-in hybrid by stuffing an electric motor inside the hub of each rear wheel. Brabus turned to English manufacturer Protean Electric for the motors. Each motor produces 67 hp in Eco mode and 107 hp in Sport mode; peak torque, however, is rated at 1,180 lb-ft. The second part of Brabus’ hybrid equation is the stock 2.2-liter, turbodiesel engine, which gets the company’s ECO PowerXtra D3 kit, boosting power to 200 hp and 332 lb-ft, an increase from 170 hp and 295 lb-ft in stock form. Brabus states that 0-62 mph acceleration time improves from 8.7 to 7.4 seconds. The hybrid will also run in zero-emissions, electric mode for up to 75 miles depending on mode and driving style. The 18.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is charged by regenerative braking or by plugging into a fast or normal charger. The hybrid gets the standard Brabus performance and look-fast upgrades such Bilstein-developed suspension, body-kit, and interior trim.

Brabus High Performance 4WD Full ElectricBrabus transformed a standard E-Class into its high performance 4WD full electric concept by removing the gas-powered engine and drivetrain. Electric components such as the batteries have been stuffed under the hood, in the driveshaft tunnel, and fuel tank area. For power, Brabus uses the same Protean Electric-source motors and places one in all four wheel hubs for a combined peak output of 429 hp and 2,360 lb-ft of torque. The Brabus EV needs only an estimated 6.9 seconds to accelerate from 0-62 mph and top speed is limited to 137 mph (the electric motor’s redline speed of 2,000 rpm).

According to Brabus, each motor weighs just 68 pounds, has a diameter of 16.5 inches, and has a thickness of 4.5 inches. The motors are powered by 56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack recharged by regenerative braking or quick or normal plug in units. A 380V quick charge unit will charge the batteries in 1.5 hours, providing an operating range of up to 217 miles based on the New Europen Driving Cycle (NEDC). Using a standard 220V AC outlet will take five hours for a full charge.Both these concepts make their debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Although the release says these are “prototypes – not for sale,” We’re sure if you went to Brabus with a big enough check, they’d be happy to build you one in the not-too-distant future.Source: BrabusFor more on the 2011 Frankfurt show, including videos, the latest photo and more information, please CLICK HERE to visit our Frankfurt show home page.

Can anybody make a hybrid or electric car without plastering words all over the side of it?
"HYBRID!!!!"
"F125 EXCLAMATION POINT"
"Full electric awesome"
"High-power"
"It's still fast, we swear"
"Ok, maybe it's slow but it's green!"
"Steering wheel!"